Former USC quarterback Matt Barkley knows his performance at next week’s Scouting Combine will have a major impact on his draft stock.

"This is probably the biggest test of my life coming up," Barkley told the Pensacola News Journal. "This is like the SAT times thousands. I hear the whole couple days is a grind. But I am looking forward to that challenge. I am excited about it."

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More NFL teams were excited about Barkley 12 months ago. He had a disappointing senior season after choosing not to enter the 2012 draft. The Trojans went 7-6, and Barkley’s season ended with a shoulder injury. He has been training at IMG Sports Academy in Bradenton, Fla., and said he plans to participate in all the drills at the combine.

A strong showing would help convince more teams that Barkley should be a top-10 pick. A poor showing, and Barkley could jeopardize his first-round status.